And current Mayor Chuck Della Sala, who won't seek re-election in November, thinks Roberson is the best person for the job.

"He would be an excellent, excellent candidate for mayor," Della Sala said Wednesday. "He is a level-headed guy who knows the community."

Roberson, a longtime council member until he stepped down in 2006, said in a press release Wednesday that he is running at the urging of "many local businesses, residents and neighborhoods."

Roberson, who spent 35 years teaching elementary school in Monterey, said he would mount a grass-roots campaign and wasn't spurred by any specific issue.

"I think people, more than ever, want to protect neighborhoods," he said, adding that the City Council on Tuesday "rightfully denied" a cell-phone facility on top of a Munras Avenue office building in the face of strong neighborhood opposition.

Roberson said residents want to be heard "before plans are made, not after" and are legitimately concerned about commercial buildings next to residential area.

"Of course, we have serious, tough decisions on the budget," he said

Roberson spent two terms as mayor from 1983-1987, and two split stints on the City Council, from 1981 to 1990 and from 1996 top 2006.

Della Sala, who has been on the city Planning Commission and City Council for the past 22 years, said, "It's time for me to take a break. I'm not saying I won't be back."

The political scuttlebutt for months had Roberson back on the campaign trail and Della Sala stepping down when his term is up in December. But both men shrugged off the reports as early as a year ago.

Della Sala said his daughter gave birth to his and his wife's third grandchild in June and that also played a role in his decision to exit the political stage.

"I'd like to spend some more time with them," he said.

Roberson identified three main issues in his press release: open government and team work; preserving the city and its infrastructure; and balancing the budget.

"Let's work together to keep our small town feeling," he said in the release.

One specific Roberson mentioned: opposition to a parking structure on the waterfront, an issue that flared during the controversy over a new waterfront master plan.

Della Sala said he believes the City Council has accomplished a lot during his eight years as mayor. He spoke of fire-service consolidations, downtown revitalization, and a special district of hotel property owners to finance renovation of the Conference Center.

"Downtown Monterey is on its way to becoming an outstanding destination," he said.